With the right mix of culture, good food, and great ambiance, Japan raises the bar for dining sophistication. Take a look into some of the best high-end and exclusive restaurants, where delectable seasonal and artisanal cuisine highlights regional ingredients and creative cooking methods.

 

NARISAWA (Tokyo)

 

© NARISAWA

 

Located in Tokyo's Aoyama district, NARISAWA’s posh dining hall offers a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure rooted in "satoyama" culture.

 

Designed from the diner's perspective and influenced by Chef Yoshihiro NARISAWA's global gastronomic journeys, the restaurant exudes innovation by creating harmony from several inspirations, setting a model that chefs around the world strive to emulate.

 

This establishment, labeled as "Innovative Satoyama Cuisine," defies categorization, offering a blend of gratitude for Japan's wooded landscapes, sustainable produce, and a fine-dining experience with an engaging, exhibition-style cooking.

 

The restaurant introduced elements like the spirit of the Rikyu tea ceremony and the essence of wabi-sabi aesthetics, leaving a lasting impact on chefs and customers worldwide. They can customize it for vegetarians and vegans, making sure everyone has a tasty and exciting meal that stimulates all the senses.

 

 

 

Otowa Restaurant (Tochigi)

 

© Otowa Restaurant

 

In Utsunomiya, the center of Tochigi Prefecture, Otowa Restaurant is a premium culinary gem that weaves a tale of family tradition and gastronomic excellence. A mere 50-minute journey from Tokyo Station leads to this unexpected French restaurant, housed in an elegant detached building.

 

Founded by Kazunori Otowa, who honed his skills alongside famous chefs like Alain Chapel and Michel Guerard, Otowa Restaurant thrives on the principle of "local gastronomy". The family's commitment extends beyond the kitchen, with Chef Otowa's children contributing their skills to evolve the restaurant's course menus. It offers Tochigi Wagyu beef, yashio-masu (rainbow trout), artisanal cheese from Nasu Highland, and an interesting twist on traditional Japanese staples like yuba (bean curd) and kanpyo (calabash).

 

Lunch reservations are welcome until the day before, while dinner bookings are accepted until 3:00 PM on the same day. Many dishes require advanced preparation, so adjusting or canceling plans promptly is appreciated by the restaurant.

 

 

Japan is always pursuing perfection and sophistication and the realm of cuisines is no exception. If you are looking to satisfy your cravings for a culinary experience that borders into the arts, you can roam around the country and discover all the hidden gems that provide you the taste of a lifetime.